iPad 3 Prices and Model Numbers?

The iPad 3 will be priced the same as existing iPad 2 models, even though it is expected to have a significantly improved Retina display, a more powerful processor and graphics capabilities, and 4G LTE connectivity. This unsurprising report comes from 9to5mac, who cites a traditionally reliable source who even provided model numbers of the next-generation iPad. This means pricing for iPad 3 will be as follows:

Wi-Fi Models

16GB – $499

32GB – $599

64GB – $699

Cellular 3G / 4G LTE (?) Models

16GB – $629

32GB – $729

64GB – $829

9to5mac also mentions that some countries with a stronger currency will actually see prices for the iPad 3 go down slightly, though those countries and the final sale prices are not yet known.

While Apple rarely increases the price of products, there was a brief rumor passed around that pricing for the next gen iPad would be slightly higher to accommodate for increased production costs. That sounded unlikely to begin with, and now it appears even less likely.